Area “G” Director Angelique Wood wants to see her communities grow — but she also wants to see them “grow well.”

Director Wood will kick off an extended “community conversation” on the potential of the Similkameen Valley and its resources February 10 with the first in a series of presentations and workshops designed to provide community leaders with an opportunity to “meet, greet and discover strength in shared goals.”

“My purpose with the Community Conversations program is to find a way to bring community leaders together to deal with issues that are consistent throughout the valley,” Director Wood explained.

“The issues being faced by Hedley residents are echoed by the towns of Princeton, Keremeos, Cawston and Olalla. Part of our challenge is: “As we grow, how do we grow well?”

Leaders from the neighboring Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands will also be invited to participate.

The initial February 10 presentation at the ORL branch in Hedley will feature Julie Fowler, Executive Director of Island Mountain Arts and the driving force behind ArtsWells, a thriving arts festival in the tiny Cariboo community of Wells, population 250.

“After listening to real-life examples of success stories from across B.C., community leaders will have a chance to talk and relate these stories back to our current reality,” said Director Wood.

• Local food systems — who’s doing what;
• Housing: keeping our folks here and welcoming new residents;
• Energy sufficiency — using what we have; and,
• Moving forward: where do we go from here?